Benita Cherfane (Managing Partner & Co-Founder – iGuard):
We aim to make high-quality security solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes

iGuard is a leading provider of cutting-edge digital protection solutions, committed to safeguarding businesses and individuals in an ever-evolving cyber landscape. With a team of seasoned experts and state-of-the-art technologies, iGuard delivers comprehensive cybersecurity services tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. From advanced threat detection and prevention to robust incident response strategies, the company ensures that sensitive data, critical systems, and digital assets remain secure against cyber threats. Recognized for its innovative approach and unwavering dedication to security excellence, iGuard empowers organizations to operate with confidence, knowing they are protected by one of the most trusted names in cybersecurity.

At iGuard, the mission is clear: to build a safer, more resilient digital world where innovation thrives without compromise. On the occasion of its annual special issue, Al Bayan Magazine conducted an interview with Benita Cherfane, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of iGuard, whose expertise and passion for cybersecurity have propelled iGuard to become a trusted name in the industry, offering unparalleled defense in an increasingly connected world. Below is the Q&A.

Can you give us an idea about iGuard and what differentiates you from the competition?

iGuard, a Prow company, is a dedicated cybersecurity company specializing in managed detection and response (MDR) through our Security Assurance Services. Our expert team monitors, detects, and responds to cyber threats in real time, ensuring businesses remain secure and resilient against evolving threats.

What sets us apart is our extensive team of cybersecurity professionals with deep expertise and experience across various industries. We also have a thorough understanding of the UAE’s local challenges, including compliance with regional regulations and addressing unique threat landscapes.

Finally, we differentiate ourselves by offering customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of each customer and field. Whether it’s healthcare, finance, or government, we recognize that every sector has its own set of challenges, and we design our services accordingly to ensure the best possible protection.

We combine AI tools with human expertise

How are you implementing AI into your services? What are the positives and negatives of this technology?

At iGuard, we leverage AI-driven tools provided by our trusted cybersecurity vendors to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our Security Assurance Services. These tools play a critical role in automating threat detection, analyzing large volumes of data in real-time, and identifying anomalies that could indicate potential cyberattacks.

One of the key advantages of using AI is its ability to significantly reduce false alerts. This ensures that our engineers and analysts can focus on the threats that truly matter, instead of being overwhelmed by unnecessary notifications. Additionally, AI enhances the speed and accuracy of threat detection, making it possible to respond to attacks proactively and minimize potential damage.

However, AI is not without its challenges. The technology relies heavily on high-quality data for training, and attackers are constantly evolving to find ways to bypass AI-driven defenses. To address this, we combine AI tools with human expertise, ensuring a layered and adaptive approach to cybersecurity. This balance allows us to harness the strengths of AI while mitigating its limitations, providing our clients with the best possible protection.

We deliver reliable & robust security assurance services to our clients

What are the main challenges that you are facing in the field? And how are you able to overcome these challenges?

The cybersecurity field faces several challenges, including the growing sophistication of cyberattacks, the overwhelming number of false alerts, and the global shortage of skilled professionals. At iGuard, we address these issues through a combination of advanced tools and expert strategies.

• AI-driven technologies help filter out false alerts, allowing our analysts to focus on genuine threats.
• We stay ahead of advanced attacks by continuously innovating and collaborating with leading vendors to access the latest threat intelligence.
• To counter the skill gap, we invest in ongoing training and certifications for our team, ensuring they remain equipped to handle evolving challenges effectively.

This proactive approach ensures that we can deliver reliable and robust security assurance services to our clients.

We are committed to delivering innovative customized solutions

What are your plans and outlook for 2025?

iGuard is focused on strengthening its position as a trusted provider of managed cybersecurity services in the UAE. In 2025, we plan to expand our offerings with advanced solutions such as:

• AI-driven automation
• Zero-trust security frameworks
• Cloud-native cybersecurity services

Our strategy includes collaborating with government entities and key industry stakeholders to support national cybersecurity initiatives and enhance the region’s overall cybersecurity posture. We also aim to make high-quality security solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes, particularly SMEs, which are increasingly targeted by cyber threats.

By leveraging our team’s extensive expertise, we are committed to delivering innovative, customized solutions that help organizations stay secure and thrive in an ever-evolving digital environment.